River Level 2.5 feet
Hi Holly and Bob.Thank you again for all the kind words. You guys are so good, I continue to take each day slow. I'm not allowed to do anything basically, so I have to keep busy doing non-labor intensive stuff! Not easy to do. Most people would love it, but I don't. I can't do laundry, walk the dog, vacuum, pull weeds, the little every day things. I'm reading alot, and doing other rainy day stuff like cleaning out drawers and the much dreaded so far behind putting photos into albums!
Doesn't sound so bad, huh? I do miss work though. Its such a big part of my life. I hope I can eventually go back. I'll find out more in 2 weeks. So until then, its still the constant collar on and no lifting, turning, bending, etc. Tomorrow a rep is coming up with a bone stimulator. Its supposed to promote the fusion process. I guess I'm all for it , if it works.
I am a little concerned, because my doctor said I'm not out of the woods, yet. I didn't like that to much. I have to behave. I want to get back to "normal" as soon as possible. Bob, the duck tape didn't hurt a bit. I'm glad there was enough to go around! What was a little more painful (not really for me but for Tim to watch) was the ER cutting off all my gear! I totally understand. that they had to.I was not allowed to move. Tim wasn't fond of the idea. I told him its routine and I won't be using it much anyway!
Of course you can write a report. make sure you tell them how professional and expertly you saved me. I'll be glad to write or talk to anyone if they need info.
To answer your question, I knew when I hit the rock that my neck was broken. I said to myself, certainly I can't set up to roll again which was what I was doing before I got slammed. I thought immediately that I had to try to get out of my boat. I could feel the current, but didn't really know what else was in store. I was losing the sensation in my small and 4th fingers in both hands and of course was stunned by the hit, but luckily not unconsciencous. I thought I better try to get out of here, so I pulled my skirt and as soon as I popped up, some guy grabbed my arm and said hold on. I told him I broke my neck. He floated me across the water somehow. I lost him once, and was able to grab on again. It was a little tough, and I was so scared, because I thought I was going to be paralyzed because of my fingers.
I couldn't watch or look at anybody because it made me cry. I was on the verge of getting hysterical when I looked at Tim. I told him I didn't want to be a quad- like I had any control! I meant for him to know I couldn't live that way and have him put up with that. I over reacted a little bit, but I was scared and I was worried about my hands. when I realized my legs moved. I thought to myself shut up- you're fine. I just didn't want that to go away. when I did peek, I saw all those people around me, and was wishing this was a bad dream. I listened to them all, and they seemed to know what they were doing. They listened to me when I told them I broke my neck.
Once they got me across, they laid me on a flat rock and someone held my head. I think my legs were somewhat in the water. I was starting to get a little cold and was in a lot of pain at that point, so i thought just be still. There's nothing I can do. These people are all over it. I heard them call 911 . A guy from Ohio was there and told me it would be an hour before an ambulance would arrive. Someone put a space blanket on me which made me feel so much better. I got great comfort from that and listening to everyone talking about what to do or not do. I was to scared to look. I was pretending this was a rehearsed rescue and when I realized again that it wasn't, I thought, man.,these people are awesome. I felt completely safe and very well cared for. You all made a very difficult situation go so smooth.
I was lying there thinking, this should be taped, because so many people would benefit on how professional and well executed this miserable rescue was. I still feel so bad for all those guys that hoisted me up the hill. I know they had a hard time. My thanks to everyone. If you think of anything else, please let me know. I re-live that scene many times and am always amazed at how wonderful you were. You kept a bad situation from getting worse. I am forever in your debt. until we talk or meet again,
all my love and thanks. Jackie
I knew I was in trouble, but I wasn't quite sure how bad my
neck was- the numbness in my hands worried me alot, but when I
realized I could still feel and move
my feet and legs, I was happy, just worried it would go away though.
I didn't dare move unless I had to.
I don't know if I said what happened after I left the scene. I was in an ambulance and taken to Uniontown Hospital where they scanned me right away. I knew when the ER Dr. came in and said "we have to transfer you-you need a neurosurgeon!" Well, that did it! I thought "oh boy!" I asked to be transferred to Allegheny General Hospital and they did. I didn't expect to be LifeFlighted. That had me really worried. Then I thought maybe I'm not really getting how serious this is because other than a little neck pain, I felt ok.
I called A.G.H. (I work there) and my poor friend Barb answered
the phone. I told her i wasn't going to be in Monday, and could
she please mark the board . She asked me why and I told her I
think I broke my neck and they were LifeFlighting me down now,
so there could be a chance she'll see me on the table tonight!
At that point I was guessing, but when they said neurosurgeon,
I thought uh-oh!!!!!!!!
It did happen, but not until Sunday afternoon. By then I was
so nervous, because I have taken care of so many injuries such
as mine, and was worried about what
approach and apparatus they were going to use on me! Anyway, I
knew the doctor on call and he explained everything. I did wind
up having an anterior and
unfortunately a posterior spinal fusion with graft and plates
at c5-6. I was in the I.C.U. for 2 days and then up to the regular
floor. The pain was moderate but more uncomfortable is the hard
collar. But to have mobility of limbs and
sensation, its nothing. I have minor restricted movements, no
driving yet, just have to learn to be still and quiet! Not easy
for a busy body like me!!!!!!!
I am doing so well though and thank everyone again for all
their help and support.
Sincerely, Jackie Henigin